The state legislator who introduced a bill seeking to crack down on scrap metal thieves said he was moved to do so after more than 60 storm water grates were stolen in his hometown.

"A lot of copper piping was also stripped out of a town building that was being renovated,'' said Rep. Steve Mikutel, D-Griswold. "An Act Concerning Scrap Metal Sold on Behalf of Municipalities'' would require dealers to only accept items accompanied by a signed letter on a municipal letterhead and to pay the city or town directly.

The bill was approved by the General Assembly and is awaiting the governor's signature. David Bednarz, spokesman for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, said the bill is being reviewed by Malloy and his staff. It would fine scrap dealers who accept municipal property without authorization when it takes effect Oct. 1.

Robinson said he would be "all for'' the new law. "Adding teeth is better than depending on someone to be a good neighbor. When you steal city property, you are stealing from the taxpayer.''

Manhole covers cost about $300 each, and fetch about 10 percent of that value when sold as scrap.

Seven manhole covers and frames were stolen from the Aran Hill area of Fairfield in August 2011, and others were taken that summer from North Benson and Duck Farm roads, town officials said at the time.

Police Chief Gary MacNamara said the thefts appeared to be motivated by the value of the metal, and two people -- probably in a truck -- were likely involved.

Robinson said such thefts are declining here, partly because the manhole covers are stamped "City of Bridgeport,'' and partly because police officers visited the local scrap yards.

"It seemed like many of the thieves were local and they were bringing the (items) to local scrap yards, so we went to talk to them,'' Robinson said. That was several years ago, when 15 or 20 disappeared in a six-month period.

"We told them it was a safety issue, and that people could really get hurt'' if they fell into an open manhole, Robinson said. "We have a good relationship with the local (scrap) yards.''

Milford police have had no recent reports of stolen manhole covers, said Officer Jeff Nielsen, the department spokesman. "I'd have to say it's very rare.''

The theft for scrap of other metal items, including bronze plaques honoring war veterans, is covered by an earlier law, which requires scrap dealers to notify police if someone tries to sell a historic marker.

That law was inspired by the 2011 theft of two bronze plaques honoring Ansonia veterans of World War II.

"Proof of ownership, including letters of authorization, is one of the many ways to help deter metals theft of public property and is a responsible business practice,'' Mills wrote in an email. "Recyclers also encourage local officials, particularly law enforcement, to build personal relationships with nearby scrap yards, mark municipal property to help with identification and use ScrapTheftAlert.com, a free online investigative tool for police."

"CCM would ask that the bill be amended to allow for a municipal department head to authorize the sale and that, within that letter, allow for instructions as to which municipal department payment may be sent.''